Details of the non-unitary proof for highest weight representations of the Virasoro algebra (Q1086338)

The Verma modules of the centrally extended Virasoro algebra (Witt algebra in characteristic zero) are characterized by a pair \((c,h)\) of complex numbers. If and only if \(c\) and \(h\) are real, the module admits a (possibly indefinite) Hermitian form with respect to which the representatives of the standard basis elements of the algebra satisfy certain natural hermiticity conditions. The authors consider the (difficult) case \(c<1\) and show that the aforementioned form is indefinite unless the pair \((c,h)\) belongs to a specified discrete set. Using this result, the classification of all unitary irreducible highest weight representations of the Virasoro algebra has recently been completed [\textit{P. Goddard}, \textit{A. Kent}, and \textit{D. Olive}, Commun. Math. Phys. 103, 105--119 (1986; Zbl 0588.17014)].